UNIT 2: RECRUITMENT

Exercise 1. Read the following information about recruitment procedures:

A. Recruitment
The process of finding people for particular jobs
is recruitment or, especially in Am. English,
hiring. Someone who has been recruited is a recruit
or, in Am. English, a hire. The company employs or
hires them; they join the company. A company
may recruit employees directly or use outside
recruiters, recruitment agencies or employment
agencies. Outside specialists called
headhunters may be called on to headhunt
people for very important jobs, persuading them to
leave the organizations they already work for.
This process is called headhunting.
B. Applying for a job
Fred is a van driver, but he was fed up with long trips. He looked in the situations
vacant pages of his local newspaper, where a local supermarket was advertising for van
drivers for a new delivery service. He applied for the job by completing an application
form and sending it in.
Harry is a building engineer. He saw a job in the appointment pages of one of the
national papers. He made an application, sending in his CV (curriculum vitae – the
“story” of his working life) and a covering letter explaining why he wanted the job and
why he was the right person for it.
Note: BrE: CV; AmE: resume
BrE: covering letter; AmE: cover letter.
C. Selection procedures
Dagmar Schmidt is the head of recruitment at a German telecommunications company.
She talks about the selection process, the methods that the company uses to recruit people:
“We advertise in national newspapers. We look at the backgrounds of applicants:
their experience of different jobs and their educational qualifications. We don’t ask for
handwritten letters of application as people usually apply by email; handwriting analysis
belongs to the 19th century.
We invite the most interesting candidates to a group discussion. Then we have
individual interviews with each candidate. We also ask the candidates to do written
psychological tests to assess their intelligence and personality.
After this we shortlist three or four candidates. We check their references by writing to
their referees: previous employers or teachers that candidates have named in their
applications. If the references are OK, we ask the candidates to come back for more
interviews. Finally, we offer the job to someone, and if they turn it down we have to think
again. If they accept it, we hire them. We only appoint someone if we find the right
person”.

Exercise 2. Complete the following sentences with the right word or phrase:

a. I hope she …………., because if she …………….the job, we’ll have to start
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 looking again.
b. That last applicant was very strong, but I understand he’s had two other ………..
already.
c. They’ve finally ……….. a new receptionist.
d. I phoned to check on my application, but they said they’d already
……….someone.
e. This job is so important, I think we need to ………… someone.
f. Computer programmers wanted. Only those with UNIX experience should
…………….
g. The selection process has lasted three months, but we’re going to ……someone
next week.

Exercise 3. Replace the underlined phrases with correct forms of words and expressions
from A, B and C:

Fred had already refused two job offers when he went for a discussion to see if he was
suitable for the job. They looked at his driving licence and contacted previous employers
Fred had mentioned in his application. A few days later, the supermarket asked him if he
would like the job and Fred said yes.
Harry didn’t hear anything for six weeks, so he phoned the company. They told him
that they had received a lot of requests for the job. After looking at the life stories of the
people asking for the job and looking at what exams they had passed during their
education, the company had chosen six people to interview, done tests on their personality
and intelligence and they had then given someone the job.

Exercise 4. Read this newspaper article and find the answers to the following questions in
the text:

1. What were the TWO reasons why Virgin Atlantic was considering redundancies?
2. What were the TWO things Richard Branson invited his staff to do?
3. How many people volunteered to take unpaid leave?
4. How did the long break affect the staff’s attitude to their work?
5. Why is the scheme attractive to new recruits?
6. Is the scheme going to become permanent?

Branson’s new route to more jobs

by Celia Weston
For many young people lucky enough to get a job after leaving school or college, the
biggest shock of the transition to work is how few holidays they get.
Having spent their academic years working an eight or nine-month year, it can be
depressing to realize that for the rest of their working lives they will be able to take only
four weeks off a year.
Many would jump at the chance to take three months off - and that’s exactly what
happened at Virgin Atlantic, the airline run by Richard Branson. He believes the new
initiative could help to reduce unemployment.
Faced last autumn with the recession and with its failure to acquire more flight slots
out of Heathrow airport, the company was having to consider redundancies. Mr. Branson
wrote to staff saying that cutting back on jobs was “something I have never wanted to do”.
14
Instead he invited employees to take up to six months unpaid leave and to participate in a
job sharing scheme.
The immediate crisis passed but the idea of a
shorter working year took off. When the company
later asked for 300 volunteers to take three
months unpaid leave, 450 put their names forward.
Mr. Branson said: “To be fair and share it around, in
some cases we said that people could only take six
weeks.”
Most of the volunteers were cabin crew but other
staff, including secretaries and pilots, took advantage
of the offer as well. “And when they came back from their break ... they definitely seemed
to enjoy work more,” he said.
The company tends to recruit and train its own staff from scratch. As Mr. Branson
said: “If you’ve been at college or on the dole, working for only nine months still makes
you a lot better off financially than you were before.” He believes there is a broader social
benefit to be achieved. “If you are only taking on people for nine months, that will enable
others who would otherwise have no work or be living on the dole to have a chance too.”
And he goes further. “I think this should be the basis of a pattern across the whole
European Community for the first few years of working life.”
Nor was a shorter working year only applicable to young people. “If older women and
men with children can afford it because one partner’s working 12 months and the other
nine, I think a lot of people would like to earn slightly less and be able to spend more time
with their children,” Mr. Branson said.
This year the scheme is on offer again, although not over the busy summer period. “All
the people who took time off last year would like to do so again,” Mr. Branson said. But
its realization depended on whether the company could recruit enough people to allow
400-500 existing staff to take three months off.
The company was considering whether the arrangement should become a permanent
feature, Mr. Branson said. “For new people being taken on in most departments, we’re
thinking about making nine-month working a standard contract.”

Exercise 5. Work in groups. Discuss these questions:

1. What are your views on Richard Branson’s scheme? Would you like to participate
in such a scheme?
2. Would such a scheme succeed in the firm you work/have worked for? Why not?
3. Why do you think so many of Virgin’s cabin crew took advantage of the scheme?
4. Could this kind of scheme only succeed with a youthful staff who have few family
responsibilities?
5. How could you persuade people who have considerable working experience and
are used to earning a certain wage that they should take a pay cut?
6. What do you think of the following:
a four-day week a nine-day fortnight seasonal work job sharing

Exercise 6. Insert the following words in the gaps in the text below:

applicant application application form apply candidate

15
curriculum vitae or CV (GB) or resume (US) employment agencies
interview job description job vacancies references short-listed

Many people looking for work read the (1) …………………….. advertised in newspapers
by companies and (2) …………………. . To reply to an advertisement is to (3)
……………… for a job. (You become a (4) ………………… or an (5)
…………………………). You write an (6) ……………………, or fill in the company’s
(7) ……………………, and send it, along with your (8) …………………….. and a
covering letter. You often have to give the names of two people who are prepared to write
(9) ………………….for you. If your qualifications and abilities match the (10)
…………………., you might be (11) ……………………, i.e. selected to attend an (12)
……………………… .

Exercise 7. When employees ‘give notice’, i.e. inform their employer that they will be
leaving the company (as soon as their contract allows), in what order should the company
carry out the following steps?

a. either hire a job agency (or for a senior post, a firm of headhunters), or advertise
the vacancy
b. establish whether there is an internal candidate who could be promoted (or moved
sideways) to the job
c. examine the job description for the post, to see whether it needs to be changed (or
indeed, whether the post needs to be filled)
d. follow up the references of candidates who seem interesting
e. invite the short-listed candidates for an interview
f. make a final selection
g. receive applications, curricula vitae and covering letters, and make a preliminary
selection (a short list)
h. try to discover why the person has resigned
i. write to all the other candidates to inform them that they have been unsuccessful

Exercise 8. While you are listening to the interview on the tape, complete the table
below:

1. Name of applicant 6. References (very good/good/fair/bad)

.........................................
2. Job applied for
………………………….
3. Education 7. Hobbies………………………………...
…………………………
4. Qualifications 8. Which Department is the applicant interested in?
………………………… ................................................................
5. Work experience 9. Interviewed by:
(years)………………… 1. …………………………
2. …………………………

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Exercise 9. Below you will see some extracts from wants ads. Fill in each blank with a
word or phrase from the following list:

competitive initiative suit kitchen staff ability outgoing team pension

plan clear contact experience preference required skills willing busy
office hard work potential customers successful candidate thorough training

- Our new 200-seat restaurant is opening in May and we are looking for waiters,
waitresses and (1)……….
- If you are a friendly and (2)……….person who is not afraid of (3)………., we have
the job and hours to (4)……….you.
- For more information, (5)……….Helen at (415) 331-2012.
- Secretary/Receptionist (6)……….for a (7)……… . Typing and shorthand between
80 and 120 wpm. We will give (8)……….to applicants who have experience using
word processors and computers.
- We want a positive person who is (9)……….to work hard and can use their own
(10)………. . You must be lively and have a good sense of humour and a
(11)……….speaking voice. You will receive (12)……….to enable you to inform
(13)……….of the benefits of advertising with us.
- The (14)……….will have had (15)……….in booking and banking procedures. The
position calls for word-processing and secretarial (16)……….plus the (17)……….to
work as part of a (18)………. A (19)……….salary is offered as well as a company
(20)……….

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 UNIT 3: WRITING CV AND LETTER OF APPLICATION

Exercise 1. Work in pairs. Discuss these questions:

 What impression do you try to give in an application letter?

 Should an application letter be handwritten, typed, or laser-printed?
 Do you always tell the absolute truth in application letters?

Exercise 2. Listen to an expert discussing letters of application. What information

does she consider to be essential?

Exercise 3. Write ten DOs or DON’Ts to help people who are writing letters of
application. The first ones have been done for you.
Do write clearly.
Don’t use a pencil.

Exercise 4. Listen to the tape and write down anything which is not on the list you
wrote.

Exercise 5. Read the following information about writing letters of application:

Writing application letter

A letter of application should create enough interest to make the
potential employer want to look at your application in greater detail by
reading your CV and hopefully invite you for an interview. Your
application letter, however, should not contain too much detail about
your experience and qualifications because that is the job of the CV.
Layout and style
The letter should be limited to one page and a few paragraphs will
normally be sufficient. It is better to address a letter to a specific person, e.g. Dear Miss
Chan, rather than to Dear Sir or Madam. However, in some job advertisements the name
of the person you are writing to is not given. It is good practice to try to find out the
following information before you write your letter:

 the full name of the person you are writing;

 their title - Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms, Dr, Professor, etc, and;
 their position - Personnel Manager, Human Resources Manager, etc.

All this information can be obtained by a quick phone call to the company. Remember,
never write Dear Miss W. Chan. It should be Dear Miss Chan. Do not use the initial
except in the address. If you start with Dear Sir/Madam, it is accepted practice to finish
with Yours faithfully. Whereas, if you start with Dear Miss Chan, you may finish with
Yours sincerely. Your letter should be neat and free from careless mistakes. You can
follow the blocked and open punctuation style. Whichever layout style you choose to use,
you should use it consistently throughout the letter.
Structure of the letter

18
 Paragraph 1 It should state clearly why you are writing and where you saw the job
advertised.

1. I would like to apply for the post of ... as advertised in today’s issue of..
2. With reference to your advertisement in ... on ..., I am writing to apply for the
position of ...

Paragraph 2 It should give a little information about your qualifications and

experience. Make sure the information you give is relevant to the job that you are applying
for.

1. As you can see from my enclosed CV, I have worked in my present position for five
years. During this time I have gained invaluable experience in ...
2. I am currently a student at TPU studying ........ I am due to graduate in.......
Although I have been studying full time, I have had a number of summer jobs
which have helped me to gain experience in ...
3. My experience over the past two years has been at the managerial level, where I
have had responsibility for ...

Paragraph 3 It should say why you believe you are suited to the job and what you can
offer the company. Those currently employed can state the reason for wishing to change
their present job. However, you should not sound critical of your present employer.

1. I am currently working as a receptionist in ...The reason for my seeking a new

position is that I wish to pursue a secretarial career. Unfortunately, there are no openings
for advancement in my present employment.

2. For the last two years I have been working as a receptionist in ...Unfortunately the
company is moving its main offices overseas and I have therefore decided to look for a
new position. I believe that the experience I have gained in ... has given me the qualities
you are looking for ...

3. I believe I would be an asset to your company. I will be able to bring with me my

experience of ... which I believe would be useful in this position…

4. I feel that my ability to ... will help/enable me to ...

Paragraph 4 It should tell the reader when you are available for an interview and how
to contact you.

1. I would like to have the opportunity to talk to you further about my application. I am
available for interview at any time and I can be contacted at/on ...

2. I am available for an interview at any time but would appreciate two days notice. I
can be contacted on/at ...

I look forward to hearing from/meeting you soon.

19
 3. As requested in the advertisement, I enclose a copy of my resume together with a
recent photograph.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. I am

available ... and can be contacted on/at ...

Remember you might have to give a bit more detail than in the above examples. You
can also combine the language in these examples. Also, it is sometimes useful to gather
information about the company so that you know more about its background and policies.
This may help you present yourself in the best light.

Exercise 6. Read the following extracts from two letters about the advertisement for
administrative clerk. Fill in each blank with a word from the following list:

as audio available consider enclose inquiries favourably

for form further in opportunity position take to with

A. Dear Sir or Madam,

In reference (1)……….your advertisement in today’s ‘Morning News’, I am interested

(2)……….applying for the (3)……….of administrative clerk with your company.
Could you please send me (4)……….details and an application (5)……….

B. Dear Sir,

I would like to apply (6)……….the position of administrative clerk with your company. I
(7)……….my application form. I am presently working (8)……….a secretary in the
accounts office at TW Industries. My responsibilities include (9)……….and copy typing
and dealing (10)……….correspondence and telephone (11)………. . Twice a week I have
been going to evening classes in bookkeeping and I intend to (12)……….an examination
in three month.
I am applying for the position because I would like an (13)……….to make more use of
my training.
I would be (14)……….for an interview at any time.
I hope that you will (15)……….my application (16)……….

Exercise 7. Look at this job ad: what would be its attractions - what might be its
drawbacks? Based on the information from Exercise 5 write a letter of application to
ACME Atlantic.

Work in Bermuda!
ACME Atlantic are a well-known and respected trading company. We handle imports
directly from manufacturers in 35 different countries, often to our own specifications, and
currently export to 46 different countries worldwide.
We are looking for enthusiastic people to work in our office in Bermuda on temporary 3-
6- and 9-month contracts. Applicants must be able to speak and write at least one foreign
language fluently and can be nationals of any country.

20
Experience in import/export will be an advantage, but as special training will be available
this is not essential. The main requirements are a willingness to work as a member of a
team, to cope with pressure, to use the telephone in a foreign language and in English and
to be prepared occasionally to work long hours when necessary.
There are several posts available and long-term prospects are good, though initially all
successful applicants will be contracted for a maximum of 9 months.
The salary we will offer is excellent. We will pay for your return air fare and provide
adequate accommodation at a nominal rent.
Please apply in your own handwriting, enclosing your resume, to Charles Fox,
European Sales Office, ACME Atlantic Ltd, 45 Pentonville Road, London EC2 4AC.

Exercise 8. Listen to the following conversation and complete the notes below:

NOTES ON APPLICATION
Jonathan Briggs
Name:
Degree: Economics and 1)……………………………
Teaching experience: Volunteer Teacher
Location: 2)…………………………………………….
Dates: 3)…………………………………………….
Volunteer organization: 4)…………………………………………….
Type of school: 5)…………………………………………….
Subjects taught: 6)………………… Forms 1, 2 and 3
- English Form 7)...............
- Agricultural Science Form 6
Other responsibilities: ran school farm

NOTES (continued)
Reasons for wanting to leave in - 8)..................................................................
the first year: - few teaching resources
Reasons for wanting to extend - success of cattle breeding project
tour: - obtained funds for farm buildings
Reasons for wanting to train to - It is his 9).....................................................
teach Geography: - It has many 10)............................................

Exercise 9. Read the following information about CV writing:

Format for a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae, commonly referred to as CV, includes a summary of your
educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience,
publications, presentations, awards, honors, and affiliations.
International employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a
curriculum vitae that would not be included on a resume. When writing a CV for graduate
school or academia the personal information included in this curriculum vitae template
would be omitted.

21
 The following curriculum vitae template will give you an example of what to include in
your CV and show the appropriate format for a curriculum vitae.

Sample Curriculum Vitae Template

CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Sex

Optional Personal information:

Marital Status
Spouse’s Name
Children

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Work History
Academic Positions
Research and Training

EDUCATION
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills

AWARDS

PUBLICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

INTERESTS

22
 Having a well written, effective resume at one’s disposal is an excellent tool in
today’s ever changing job market. A strong resume may be the sole difference in
getting a call for an interview or simply having your resume tossed into the proposed
employer’s sludge pile. Simply put, an effective resume may win you a job interview.
In the world of academia, a strong resume, known as a curriculum vitae (CV) may open
the door towards a tenured position.

Exercise 10. Rewrite this letter in a suitably formal style. Some sentences may have to be
left out altogether. Check your version with another student:

11 Oakwood Road
Stanhope, Birmingham
8th October

Dear Mr. Scott,

I am writing because you said you wanted a Service technician in The Evening Mail of 7th
October. I’ve put my life story in with this letter. If you look at it you’ll see I know a lot
about engineering because I’ve been a maintenance engineer for six years. So I’ve learnt
a lot about servicing manual and electrical systems. I took a conversion course the other
day, all about pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical systems. It was pretty easy. Now I’m
going to evening classes in the same things, and I hope I’ll pass the exams at the end!

I liked your comment in the ad about “good prospects” because I’m not just in it for the
money. I want a job that’ll mean something. I’m sure you’ll understand.
Get in touch if there’s anything else you need to know. Give me a ring at work, it’s
423419. In the evenings, you can always get me at my mother’s in King Oak. I can come
and see you at any time except Tuesdays, which are a bit awkward.

Best wishes,
Richard Walters

23
 UNIT 4: JOB INTERVIEWS

Exercise 1. Below you will see some common expressions that you might find useful. Put
each expression into the correct box according to the function of that expression:

1. May I think about that for a 19. I don’t entirely agree with you
moment? 20. Perhaps I should make that
2. In short, ... clearer by saying...
3. What I’m trying to say is... 21. How can I best say this?
4. To sum up, ... 22. Could you repeat what you said?
5. What are your views on...? 23. I couldn’t agree more
6. Would you mind repeating that? 24. Actually...
7. How can I put this? 25. To put it another way...
8. In other words... 26. That’s just what I was thinking
9. Sorry to say but... 27. In brief, ...
10. Well, as a matter of fact... 28. Could I just say that ...
11. I’m not so sure about that 29. Well, my own opinion is that...
12. Pardon? 30. That’s my view exactly
13. I can’t help thinking the same 31. To summarise, ...
14. What are your feelings about...? 32. What was that?
15. So in conclusion, ... 33. I must take issue with you on that
16. I see things rather differently 34. Let me get this right
myself 35. Sorry to interrupt, but...
17. True enough 36. I’m afraid I didn’t catch that
18. That’s right 37. What’s your opinion?

Agreeing with somebody Disagreeing with somebody

Example: Yes, I agree. Example: I’m afraid I disagree.

Interrupting Asking for clarification or repetition

Example: Excuse me for interrupting. Example: I’m sorry?

Asking somebody for their opinion Saying something in another way

Example: What do you think about..? Example: What I mean is

Giving yourself time to think Summing up

Example: (in response to a question) Example: So basically.....

Let me see.

24
Exercise 2. Work in groups. Think of the last interview you attended and discuss these
questions:

 What was the worst thing about it?

 What difficult questions were you asked?
 Why do you think you were successful, or unsuccessful?
 If you could go through the interview again, what would you do differently?
 In an interview, do you always have to be completely honest?
 What impression do you try to give in an interview?

Exercise 3. You’ll hear extracts from two interviews. Use this assessment form to
decide which candidate performed better on a scale of 1 to 5:

Sue Jones Tom Richards

qualifications
confidence
reliability
personality
work experience
overall impression

Exercise 4. Imagine that a young friend of yours is about to attend his or her first
interview. Note down some more advice that you would give:
e.g. Do your homework: find out about the company
Prepare some questions to ask about the company and what the job entails
Wear smart, formal clothes, etc.

Exercise 5. Read the following information about an interview, its types and methods of
success. Prepare a short presentation on either of these topics:

JOB INTERVIEWING. GETTING DOWN TO BASICS

A job interview is your chance to show an employer what he or she will get if you’re
hired. That is why it is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. There exist five
basic types of interviews:

The Screening Interview

This is usually an interview with someone in human resources. It may take place in
person or on the telephone. He or she will have a copy of your resume in hand and will try
to verify the information on it. The human resources representative will want to find out if
you meet the minimum qualifications for the job and, if you do, you will be passed on to
the next step.
The Selection Interview
The selection interview is the step in the process which makes people the most anxious.
The employer knows you are qualified to do the job. While you may have the skills to
perform the tasks that are required by the job in question, the employer needs to know if

25
you have the personality necessary to “fit in.” Someone who can’t interact well with
management and co-workers may disrupt the functioning of an entire department. This
ultimately can affect the company’s bottom line.
The Group Interview
In the group interview, several job candidates are interviewed at once. The interviewer
or interviewers are trying to separate the leaders from the followers. The interviewer may
also be trying to find out if you are a “team player.” The type of personality the employer
is looking for determines the outcome of this interview. There is nothing more to do than
act naturally.
The Panel Interview
The candidate is interviewed by several people at once. It
can be quite intimidating as questions are fired at you. You
should try to remain calm and establish rapport with each
member of the panel. Make eye contact with each member of
the panel as you answer his or her question.
The Stress Interview
It is not a very nice way to be introduced to the company
that may end up being your future employer. It is, however,
a technique sometimes used to weed out those that cannot
handle adversity. The interviewer may try to
artificially introduce stress into the interview by asking questions so quickly that the
candidate doesn’t have time to answer each one. The interviewer may also ask weird
questions, not to determine what the job candidate answers, but how he or she answers.

Preparing for the Interview

Before you begin to think about how you will dress for the interview, or answer
questions, you should gather as much information about the employer as you can. Not
only will you appear informed and intelligent, it will also help you make a decision if a
job offer is eventually made.
You might also want to prepare for answering questions by listing some of your
attributes. Talk to former co-workers with whom you worked closely. Ask them to list
some traits about you that they most admired - work related, of course.
You want to seem somewhat spontaneous, but you also want to appear self-confident.
The way to do that is to rehearse, not exactly what you will say, but how you will say it. A
great method is to rehearse in front of a video camera. Study your posture, the way you
make eye contact, and your body language.
Dressing for the Interview
Appearance is very important and
whether we like it or not, it is the first
thing people notice about us. You
should match your dress to employees
in the workplace in which you are
interviewing and probably take it up a
notch. If dress is very casual, those
being interviewed should wear dress
pants and dress shirts or skirts and
blouses. Don’t choose a Friday, since
many offices have “casual Fridays.”
26
 Your hair should be neat and stylish. Your nails should be well manicured and clean.
Men’s nails should be short. Women’s nails should be of a reasonable length and polished
in a neutral color. Also for women, makeup shouldn’t be heavy. Perfume or cologne
should be avoided as some people find certain scents offensive.
Establishing Rapport
Since the interviewer’s job is to make sure that not only your skill, but your personality
as well, is a good match, you must establish rapport with the person or persons
interviewing you. That begins the instant you walk in the door. Let the interviewer set the
tone. Nothing is as awkward as offering your hand and having the gesture not returned by
the other person. Therefore you should wait for the interviewer to offer his or her hand
first, but be ready to offer your hand immediately.
Body Language
They say that body language gives more away about us than speech. Eye contact is
very important but make sure it looks natural. A smiling, relaxed face is very inviting.
Hands resting casually in your lap rather than arms folded across your chest also is more
inviting.
Answering Questions
When it comes down to it, isn’t this the main point of the interview? Speak slowly and
clearly. Pause before you answer a question. Your answers will seem less rehearsed and it
will give you a chance to collect your thoughts.
Asking Questions
Usually toward the end of the interview, the person conducting it will ask you if you
have any questions. You should have some. You should ask about what a typical day
would entail. You could also ask what special projects you would be working on. As in
every other aspect of the job search, you are trying to show the employer how you can fill
their needs.
Illegal Questions
We have all heard horror stories of interviewers asking job candidates inappropriate
questions, such as those about marital status, age, and family status. These questions
should not be asked, but it is up to you whether to answer them.
Money Questions
Money is a very sensitive topic. The candidate shouldn’t bring it up. However, the
interviewer may bring it up first. He or she may ask what salary you hope to earn. You
must prepare for this question before the interview. Find out what others in the same
position are earning. Always give a range, not an exact number. This will help keep you
from pricing yourself out of a job. You don’t want the employer to think they can’t afford
you, but you also don’t want them to think you are a cheap commodity.
After the Interview
This is something that is too often neglected.
It’s the thank you note or follow-up letter. It is your
chance to reiterate something you mentioned
on the interview or bring up something you forgot
to mention. It is also a nice gesture and a simple
matter of politeness.

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Exercise 6. Here are some tips relating to your appearance and body language. For each
one select the correct missing word from the options below:

1. Make sure your clothes are clean, but ________ wear obvious logos or designer names.
a. do
b. don’t
c. must
2. Don’t use __________ much deodorant or perfume!
a. to
b. too
c. two
3. Don’t wear too much jewellery. Interviewers don’t ______ like rings!
a. never
b. sometimes
c. usually
4. Wear _______ that are smart, but comfortable.
a. cloths
b. clothes
c. covers
5. Arrive well __________ the interview time.
a. before
b. after
c. later than
6. Make eye ________ with the interviewer when you are introduced.
a. contactation
b. contiction
c. contact
7. Give a firm handshake, and make sure you ___________!
a. snarl
b. smile
c. snigger
8. Don’t ________. This will distract the interviewer from what you’re saying.
a. fidget
b. figgit
c. fijit
9. Don’t appear over-confident, for example by leaning too far back in your chair, but do
try to __________.
a. relax
b. relapse
c. collapse

Exercise 7. Match the common interview question on the left with the suitable response
from the list on the right:

1. Why did you choose this company? A. People say I’m sociable, organized, and
decisive.

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2. What are your strengths/weaknesses? B. My aim is to have a position in the
Management Team.
3. How would your friends describe you?
C. I have excellent time management, but I
4. What is your greatest achievement? can be impatient for results.

5. How well do you work in a team? D. Because I think I will find the work
environment both challenging and
6. Where will you be in 5 years? rewarding.

E. I always support my colleagues and

believe we should work towards a common
goal.

F. Leading the University football team to

the national Championships.

Exercise 8. The words in the column on the right are phrases that use the word career.
For each definition on the left, match it to the correct phrase on the right:

1. Chances of future success in your career A. career move

2. The direction you hope your career will B. career break

take
C. career prospects
3. A change you make in order to progress
D. career ladder
4. Time when you are not employed,
perhaps when travelling or looking after E. career plan
children

5. A series of promotions towards more

senior positions

Exercise 9. Read the text below which advises candidates how to answer difficult
interview questions. For each question, mark the correct answer – right, wrong or not
given:

Attending interviews
Good interviewers prepare their questions carefully in advance according to the
candidate’s application and CV. So candidates need to prepare just as carefully. Here are
some useful tips on answering interview questions.

1. What don’t you like about your current position?

No job is perfect; there’s always something we don’t like. Be honest but don’t give a list
of complaints. The important thing is to talk positively about how you deal with problems
at work.

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 2. Where does your employer think you are today?
Be honest. If you lie to your current
employer, you’ll lie to your next
employer. Don’t phone in sick on the day
of the interview. Take a day’s holiday but
don’t say why.
3. What are your professional
objectives?
Think about these before the interview.
Your objectives should be relevant to the
job you have applied for and
achievable. If the new job can’t offer you
everything you want, the interviewer
will think that you probably won’t stay with the company very long.
4. What are your weaknesses?
Be honest; no-one is perfect. Think about this before the interview and choose your
answer carefully. Talk about how you deal with a weakness; this is far more important
than the weakness itself.

1. Interviewers ask every candidate the same questions.

2. You shouldn’t mention problems with your current job.
3. You should arrange to have a day off for the interview.
4. You should give your personal objectives.
5. Your objectives should suit the position you apply for.
6. You should practise your answers at home.
7. You shouldn’t discuss things you aren’t good at.

Exercise 10. Work in groups. Take turns to carry out the interview:

Student A:
You are applying for the position of a manager at a famous manufacturing company. You
have exactly five minutes to find out if it is the right job for you. Prepare questions on the
five features of character which you consider the most important.

Student B:
You are the chair of the manufacturing company. You have exactly five minutes to find
out whether the candidate you are interviewing is the right person for the job. Prepare
questions on the candidate’s experience, character and qualifications.

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